Uganda elects youth leaders for UNESCO Clubs Associations

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A total of nine Ugandan youth have been elected to lead UNESCO Uganda clubs and associations and represent the country internationally.

The elections were organised by the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO (UNATCOM) following the creation of the Uganda National Federation for UNESCO Clubs and Associations, a significant step in advancing UNESCO's values and objectives both nationally and globally.

According to Dr Dominic Mundrugo-Ogo Lali, the deputy secretary of UNESCO Uganda, the new federation will provide a national platform for UNESCO clubs and associations to collaborate, exchange experiences, and strengthen their impact.

The national federation’s executive structure comprises a governing body, the Executive Board, elected by member clubs. This board is responsible for overseeing the federation’s operations, implementing decisions, and representing Uganda at both national and international levels.

The election took place at Esella Country Hotel on Saturday, July 18.

Mary Sheila Akoth was elected president, with Emmanuel Obore as vice president. Charity Agaba was voted secretary general, while Godman Oyola took on the role of treasurer. The publicity docket was filled by Ivan Mushana.

Regional representatives elected include Geoffrey Kiwagama (Eastern), Dan Anzo (Northern), Stephen Akakwansa (central) and Mike Birungi (Western).

In her acceptance speech, Akoth pledged to promote UNESCO’s image at both national and international levels.

Dr Mundrugo told attendees that UNESCO clubs and associations have been active in Uganda for several years without dedicated youth leadership.

He emphasised their role in promoting UNESCO’s values in the fields of education, science, culture, communication, and information. Currently, 32 youth-led clubs and associations are operational across Uganda.

He explained that the creation of the National Federation for UNESCO Clubs and Associations (UNFCA) is vital for unifying and strengthening existing clubs, enhancing collaboration and coordination, and amplifying the impact of UNESCO’s objectives in Uganda. The federation also provides a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and resources.

Dr Mundrugo highlighted UNESCO’s role in promoting territorial interconnectivity through its global network of sites and in fostering the interconnection of knowledge, cultures, values, and consciences.

"Youth are considered a vital link in achieving all the objectives of the Programmes," Dr Mundrugo stated.

UNESCO Uganda secretary general Dr Rosie Agoi said the elections are crucial to fulfilling the implementation of the UN Strategy and Plan of Action for Youth, as well as special programmes related to normative instruments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

She also referred to other global priorities like the UN Strategy and Plan of Action on hate speech, which recognises education as a fundamental tool to address its root causes and drivers.

"Our mission is to provide intellectual leadership, engage Ugandans to participate in and influence UNESCO programmes and activities, and to contribute to peace and sustainable development," Dr Agoi stated.

She also informed participants that UNESCO’s strategic plan supports the implementation of national and international education priorities for sustainable peace and development. It aims to build national capacity to formulate and implement policies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Innovation (STEI), and to manage natural resources and ecosystems sustainably.

Additionally, the strategy supports national efforts to protect and promote human rights, foster inclusive social development and transformation, encourage intercultural dialogue, safeguard and manage cultural heritage and diversity for peace and development, and promote freedom of expression, media development, and access to information and knowledge for learning, governance, and sustainable development.

Dr Mundrugo noted that the Youth Programme is hosted under the Social and Human Sciences Programme but remains a cross-cutting area.

He concluded by outlining UNESCO’s five functional pillars: serving as a laboratory of ideas and foresight, standard setting, acting as a clearing house, capacity building, and being a catalyst for international cooperation.